Use of Paracetamol Tablet

Use of Paracetamol Tablet

Brand names: Panadol, Calpol, Tylenol, Alvedon

Dosage form: orally disintegrating tablet, oral tablet, effervescent tablet, intravenous (infusion) injection, oral capsule, oral powder, oral suspension, suppository

Drug class: Miscellaneous analgesics

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) treats fever and mild to moderate pain. Paracetamol reduces fever and relieves discomfort (fever).

It relieves mild to moderate pain including headaches, toothaches, and sprains and lowers fevers from colds and flu.

Paracetamol is a common first-line painkiller because it's safe and rarely causes negative effects.

Paracetamol, unlike ibuprofen, only minimally lowers body temperature at a standard dose, and its effectiveness for fever is debatable.

Paracetamol helps with acute mild migraine but not episodic tension headaches. Aspirin/paracetamol/caffeine is a first-line treatment for both disorders with mild pain.

Ibuprofen relieves post-surgical pain better than paracetamol. Paracetamol/ibuprofen is stronger than either medicine alone.

Osteoarthritis pain relief from paracetamol is limited. Its use in the low back, cancer, and neuropathic pain is insufficient.

What is Paracetamol?

Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol, Alvedon) relieves mild-to-moderate discomfort and fever. It is used alone and with cold and flu medicines.

Acetaminophen and paracetamol are identical (Tylenol). The drug's generic name is paracetamol.

Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and India call it paracetamol. USAN generic names include acetaminophen. USA, Canada, and Japan call it acetaminophen.

Drugs' INN and USAN generic names usually don't differ between nations.

Paracetamol works mysteriously. But, it may function by inhibiting brain chemicals that signal pain and regulating body temperature.

According to the data, paracetamol blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are produced by the body to resist illness and injury.

On the serotonergic, opioid, nitric oxide, and cannabinoid pathways, too.

Paracetamol was originally manufactured in 1878, although its widespread usage didn't start until the 1950s.

Nowadays, paracetamol is considered to be one of the most commonly used analgesics worldwide.

There are both brand-name and generic versions of this medication are sold globally.

Important information

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is present in numerous over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu remedies.

Do not use paracetamol if you are also using prescription or over-the-counter drugs that contain paracetamol or acetaminophen.

Types of paracetamol

The majority of types of paracetamol are available at shops and pharmacies. Some types can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.

Paracetamol is offered as:

1. Tablets or caplets
2. Capsules
3. Liquid - (Suspension) generally for children
4. Soluble tablets (tablets that dissolve in water) 
5. Suppositories (capsules inserted into the back passage)
6. A vein injection – generally provided only in hospitals

Paracetamol is coupled with other substances in certain products, such as cold and flu medicines and combination painkillers.

It may be offered as paracetamol or under various brand names (which may also contain other ingredients).

What is the use of paracetamol?

Paracetamol can be purchased OTC without a doctor's prescription or with a doctor's prescription. It is used to treat headaches, migraines, tension headaches, and backaches.

• Rheumatic and muscle pain 
• Moderate arthritis or osteoarthritis 
• Toothache
• Menstrual pains (dysmenorrhea) 
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Sore throat
• Sinus pain
• Pain after surgery
• Fever (pyrexia)

Who is allowed to take Paracetamol?

Most people can safely use paracetamol, including:

• Women who are pregnant
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Children over the age of 2 months - smaller doses are suggested for young children (see How to take paracetamol below)

If you are unsure whether you can take paracetamol, read the package leaflet or consult your chemist or doctor.

Please get medical advice before using paracetamol if you:

• have liver or renal problems; or 
• have alcohol problems, such as long-term alcohol abuse.
• are severely underweight 
• are on other medications (see Interactions with other medicines below)
• If you've ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol, avoid taking it.

What should I inform my Physician about before using Paracetamol?

Before taking paracetamol, you should inform your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including

• if you suffer from mild arthritis and require daily painkillers; 
• if you have liver or kidney problems; and
• if you are having a baby or are breastfeeding.
• are underweight or malnourished 
• take alcohol regularly You may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of paracetamol if you take large amounts of alcoholic beverages.
• suffer from a severe infection, as this can increase your risk of metabolic acidosis. 

The following are some of the symptoms of metabolic acidosis:

• deep, fast and difficult breathing
• feeling unwell (nausea)
• feeling unwell (nausea)
• loss of appetite

Immediately contact your doctor if you experience a combination of these symptoms. You may need to avoid or reduce your intake of paracetamol.

• have glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficit (enzyme deficiency); 
• have asthma and are aspirin-sensitive; 
• have hemolytic anaemia; (abnormal breakdown of red blood cells)

How to take Paracetamol

Ensure that you take paracetamol in according to the directions on the label or leaflet, or as prescribed by a physician or health professional.

How much paracetamol you can take is depending on your age, weight, the kind of paracetamol you're taking, and its potency.

1. Adults can often take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but should not exceed 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in a 24-hour period.
2. Children under 16 must take a reduced dose based on their age or weight; consult the package insert or leaflet, or consult a chemist or physician for guidance. Liquid paracetamol is given to very young children using a measuring spoon or an oral syringe.

Within an hour, paracetamol should begin to show its effect, which often lasts for several hours. If the prescribed dose is not treating your symptoms, do not exceed it.

Children should not be normally given ibuprofen at the same time as aspirin. however, adults can take ibuprofen if necessary.

If your condition deteriorates or remains longer than three days after taking paracetamol, you should consult the doctor.

While taking paracetamol, avoid taking other medicines that have paracetamol as a component, such as several cold and flu medicines.

Paracetamol 120 mg / 5 ml, 250 mg / 5 ml oral suspension

• Always use the oral syringe or measuring spoon included with your paracetamol suspension to ensure that the right dose is given. The recommended dosage will depend on the age and weight of your child.
• Shake the bottle well for 10 seconds and then remove the cap; 
• Insert the syringe and draw up the recommended dose; 
• Place the syringe inside the child's mouth against the inside of their cheek and press the plunger slowly to release the medicine; 
• Place the cap on the paracetamol bottle and wash and dry the syringe 

Dosage for paracetamol oral suspension 120 mg/5 ml in children aged 3 months to 6 years

* Only for fever relief after 2 month vaccines in children weighing more than 4 kg delivered after 37 weeks.

Consult your doctor if your child still has a fever after two doses.

Dosage of paracetamol 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension - Adults and Children aged 6 and up

Paracetamol 60 mg / 125 mg / 250 mg suppositories

• Your child's bowels must be emptied before administering this medication. If they need to use the lavatory, ensure that they do so before administering the suppository.
• Position your child lying on their front or side on a bed to apply the suppositories. Or choose another comfortable position for your child.
• Cleanse your hands and carefully remove the suppository from its packaging, taking care not to break it.
• Insert the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum (back passage) of your child, then wash your hands.
• Maintain your child's immobility for one to two minutes. If a second suppository is required, a second one should be given. Please wash your hands.
• Try to maintain your child still for an additional 1 to 2 minutes after administering the complete dose.

# Consult with your physician or chemist to find out the right dosage for your child, which will be depending on his or her age and weight. Do not guess the dosage.

*Two-month-old infants who develop a fever following vaccinations may receive one dose. If not prescribed by a doctor, do not administer to infants younger than 3 months old.

1. Verify that the sachet is undamaged prior to use. 
2. Pour the contents of one sachet into a glass and stir to combine. 
3. Let the solution to cool before consuming; 
4. Pour with newly boiling water and stir until dissolved.
5. Adults and children over the age of 12 may take one packet every four hours if necessary. Do not exceed four packets per day. Avoid giving to youngsters under the age of 12.

Paracetamol orally disintegrating tablets, 250 mg

1. Using your fingernail, remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the foil by pressing along the dotted line. 
2. Tablets can be sucked gently on the tongue until they melt into a paste that is easily swallowed.
3.  Tablets can also be dissolved in water or milk, if desired.

Orally disintegrating paracetamol 250 mg tablets - Adults and children 6 years and older

Paracetamol 500 mg Effervescents Tablets

• Put the effervescent paracetamol tablets in a full glass of water and let them dissolve completely before taking them.

Children over 12 and adults can take Paracetamol 500 mg Effervescent Tablets.

* Do not give to children who are younger than twelve years old.

# Maximum 2 tablets per dose. Limit of eight tablets per day.

10 mg/ml Paracetamol Solution for Infusion

• This type of paracetamol is given via intravenous (IV) infusion - an injection in the arm - over the course of 15 minutes.
• Your dosage will be decided by your age, weight, and renal function. Your healthcare provider will decide on the right dosage.

Using paracetamol with additional medicines, food, and drink

Some drugs can react unexpectedly with paracetamol. This can affect the effectiveness of both medications and may increase the chance of adverse effects.

It may not be safe to combine paracetamol with the following:

• Other medicines Containing Paracetamol, Including Combination Products Including Paracetamol
• carbamazepine – used to treat epilepsy and some forms of discomfort
• colestyramine - used to reduce itching due to primary biliary disease• lixisenatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
• Metoclopramide - it is prescribed for patients suffering from nausea and vomiting.
• warfarin - it is used to prevent blood clots.

Check the dosage leaflet to verify if it is suitable with paracetamol. Consult a chemist or doctor if you're not sure.

Paracetamol Side Effects

Possible Side effects of paracetamol may include:

• an allergic reaction, which can develop a rash and swelling 
• flushing, low blood pressure, and an increased heart rate - this can occasionally occur when paracetamol is injected into your arm vein in the hospital.
• abnormalities of the blood, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and leukopenia (low number of white blood cells)
• liver and kidney damage, if taken in excessive (overdose) - this can be dangerous in extreme cases

Consult a chemist or physician if you experience uncomfortable side effects that you believe may be caused by paracetamol.

With the Yellow Card Scheme, you can also report possible side effects.

Overdoses of Paracetamol

Overdosing on paracetamol, often known as an overdose, can be fatal.

If you have taken more than the maximum recommended dose, go to the nearest emergency (A&E) department immediately.

If possible, you should bring any remaining medicine and the box or brochure to the emergency room.

After taking too much paracetamol, some individuals may feel nausea, vomit, or experience abdominal (tummy) pain, but there are frequently no noticeable symptoms at first. Go to the consult emergency cell of the hospital even if you feel fine.

FAQ : Paracetamol Uses

What should I do if I vomit while taking Paracetamol?

If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking a dose of Paracetamol tablets or syrup, you should repeat the dose.

If you vomit 30 minutes after taking a dose, you do not need to take another dose until your next scheduled dose.

When may I expect to feel better after taking Paracetamol?

Normally, you will start feeling better within 30 minutes after taking Paracetamol.

How frequently may I use Paracetamol?

You should not exceed four doses of Paracetamol each day. There should be a minimum of four hours of gas between dosages.

Do not take Paracetamol for more than 3 days before consulting a physician.

Q. Does Paracetamol make newborns sleepy?

No, Paracetamol does not make babies asleep.

Apart from alleviating pain, this medication is also used to reduce temperature.

How safe is Paracetamol for children?

Paracetamol is considered safe for children only when given according to a doctor's instructions.

Q. Is Paracetamol an antibiotic?

Contrary to popular belief, Paracetamol is not an antibiotic.

It normally functions as a painkiller and fever-reducer drug.

Can Paracetamol and ibuprofen be taken together?

Both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are safe medications, but they should not be taken at the same time.

Consult to a medical professional if you have any issues or questions.

How long does Paracetamol take to start working?

It takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes for paracetamol to begin working and show its effects.

It is recommended to take this medicine for the duration prescribed by your physician.

If you suffer any severe side effects, consult your doctor.

What are the serious side effects of taking excessively Paracetamol?

A paracetamol overdose may result in life-threatening liver damage.

In addition, exceeding the recommended dosage may result in kidney damage, a decrease in platelet count, and even unconsciousness.

Early signs of a drug overdose are nausea, vomiting, and overall fatigue.

Quickly consult a physician if an overdose is suspected.